thanks… I would like to do more of a evolutionary chart type thingy with the mini,shuffle,nano branch offs… maybe when I get more time…

This is great.  I believe my iPod 60GB with color display is 4G.  I bought it a month ago.....right before the video iPods came out for the same price.  Great decision on my part..... 

I strongly suggest not buying a 1st or 2nd generation ipod as they have major design flaws where the firewire ports plug in (basically there is no reinforcement, the solder that connects the ports to the motherboard).

First generations (dont have size etched on the rear) are also terrible because they had design flaws in the headphone jacks.

4th generation ipod are over priced as they are in essence identical inside to the 3rd generations.

Nanos are still having issues since they are so new, and i would avoid them until the second generation and more users test them out.

Thus, i strongly suggest buying a 3rd generation ipod or if not a ipod mini (2nd gen, it doesnt have headphone jack issues, has a longer battery, is cheap, and large capacity).

Anyhow, i had run into several bad models myself. If you are just as unlucky as me, there is hope as you can fix them yourself.  Third party companies exsist , but they are expensive, and some are not reputiable.

The best way to fix them is to buy replacement parts on ebay for super cheap.  And download a do it yourself guide to iPod Repair. I have used them before and they gladly answer any questions you may have, and the guides are instantly downloadable and have clear precise pictures through out.

Mark Levitt